MLS Draft Coming to Columbus?

It's a little cold to be thinking about soccer, but that's exactly what the folks at the
Columbus Crew, Greater Columbus Sports Commission and Experience Columbus are doing.

The Crew and Sports Commission have teammed up to bid for the 2019 MLS SuperDraft, and the
Sports Commission and Experience Columbus will bid on the 2019 National Soccer Coaches Association
of America Annual Convention. In recent years, the two events have been held together, creating a
whirlwind of soccer, soccer, soccer for the host cities: Indy in 2013, Kansas City in 2012 and
Baltimore in 2011.

"We're in their wheelhouse in terms of their membership," said Linda Logan, head of the Sports
Commission. "They have a huge membership base in the Mid-Atlantic region who are within driving
distance of Columbus and they look for a value destination. Most of the attendees are on their own
dime, even the college coaches."

Winning this bid is worth big bucks: $14 million in economic impact, from more than 9,000
attendees.